Brits spend bank holiday away
Friday, 26 May 2006 10:08
Trips to Dubai's desert are increasing in popularity
Brits are heading abroad this bank holiday weekend in search of the sunshine.
Rain, blustery winds and grey skies in the UK have led to a 39 per cent rise in sales of short breaks through lastminute.com since last Saturday.
Top destinations include Paris, Barcelona, Prague and Rome, while Amsterdam, New York and Venice are also proving popular for people seeking better weather, culture and shopping.
Dubai, the eighth most popular short break destination, is one place where sunshine comes with a guarantee, and lastminute.com travel director John Bevan believes this will cause its popularity to increase.
"Jetting off to Dubai this weekend is comparable to Europe in terms of pricing," he pointed out.
"Three nights in a three-star hotel in Dubai start from £362, and three nights in Majorca start from £387. Of course the flight [to Dubai] is far longer but this is guaranteed sunshine and tax-free shopping awaiting you."
Most people heading off on short breaks this weekend are taking a day off work and doing so today.
Mr Bevan added: "It seems our customers are keen to ditch their desks and the dreadful weather as soon as possible."
Top Whitsun short break destinations
1. Paris
2. Barcelona
3. Prague
4. Rome
5. Amsterdam
6. New York
7. Venice
8. Dubai
9. Palma
10. Madrid